1996 Speedster, Port Engine Won't Start

[PCBSpeedster]

Hi: I am new to the forum. Just bought 1996 Speedster. Starboard engine fires right up and runs great. Port engine won't start. I get a clicking sound from box, but no turn from starter. I think its a solenoid, but wanted to know if anyone has other thoughts. Thanks

 

[cli55er]

what happens when you use the battery booster mode? maybe the batter that starts that motor is dead.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

Thanks. Both batteries are fully charged. I even tried switching the batteries and still only get click from port side.

 

[RFoster130]

NEVER use a booster to start any SD watercraft. That could cost you a lot of money. Try swapping with the other solenoid.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

Thanks. I will try switching the solenoids. On the batteries, it was my understanding that the batteries are linked, so if one engines gets enough power to start, the other should as well. Am I incorrect?

 

[RFoster130]

I thought on the twin engine boats with the smaller PWC batteries that each engine had its own battery. Try swapping them just to make sure.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

I thought on the twin engine boats with the smaller PWC batteries that each engine had its own battery. Try swapping them just to make sure.

I did switch the batteries, but the port side still just clicked. I'll now switch the solenoids to isolate if the port solenoid is bad. It actually looks like it was a replacement--maybe it was an inferior part (if I'm lucky). If the solenoid isn't the problem, I assume the next step is starter? I've checked all connections and everything is clean and solid.

 

[cli55er]

i wasn't talking about using a booster...i was talking about the battery booster MODE. the switch on the dash that connects both batteries together for extra cranking power. if you had done that you wouldn't have theoritically had to switch the batteries.....theoritically.

plus you must have the smallest hands ever, i can't even see the starters hardly on my twin boat. stuff is so crammed in there.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

i wasn't talking about using a booster...i was talking about the battery booster MODE. the switch on the dash that connects both batteries together for extra cranking power. if you had done that you wouldn't have theoritically had to switch the batteries.....theoritically.

plus you must have the smallest hands ever, i can't even see the starters hardly on my twin boat. stuff is so crammed in there.

Thanks..I understood what you meant about the boost.. Definitely not the batteries. Hope it is not the starter...it will be a pain to replace...looks like taking off the exhaust is required for that. Thanks

 

[06330i]

This literally happened to me the other day, I have the same exact boat. One of the power wires from my fuse box in the engine compartment was loose, I tightened it up and bam it was good to go.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

This literally happened to me the other day, I have the same exact boat. One of the power wires from my fuse box in the engine compartment was loose, I tightened it up and bam it was good to go.

Thanks for that tip. I will examine all the wiring. Hopefully that is the problem. BTW, do you know if the batteries are "linked" on this model are that each engine uses a separate battery?

 

[cli55er]

they aren't linked until you hit the battery boost switch.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

they aren't linked until you hit the battery boost switch.

Got it. Thanks

 

[06330i]

According to the manual they're suppose to be wired in a "parallel" series.

 

[phough5757]

Starter.

First, Never jump start a Ski or Boat with a running Auto!
I hope its just a Relay. If its a starter, Rebuild the OEM or Buy a Seadoo starter.
Stay away from the cheap ones You see on E-Bay. I've been there.
If You have someone rebuild, remind them to seal it well.
Good luck and post what You find.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

First, Never jump start a Ski or Boat with a running Auto!
I hope its just a Relay. If its a starter, Rebuild the OEM or Buy a Seadoo starter.
Stay away from the cheap ones You see on E-Bay. I've been there.
If You have someone rebuild, remind them to seal it well.
Good luck and post what You find.

Thanks, I'm going to examine it this weekend. Will post the results.

 

[PCBSpeedster]

Discovered the problem is the starter. Actually was able to apply a little "hammer" and got it to turn over and start. Started a number of times throughout the weekend with no problem, but know that it could quit on me anytime.

Anybody got any advice on installing a new starter? I'm trying to decide if it's something I should try on my own. Is there anything special about jets and their calibration, etc. that would prevent me from doing the install myself? I appreciate the advice on not buying a cheap-O starter. I'll get an OEM. Thanks